Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer congratulates Alisson Becker for Liverpool’s stoppage time winner

Just when Premier League and, more specifically, Liverpool fans thought they had seen it all, keeper Alisson Becker scored a 95th minute header to give Liverpool an absolutely crucial 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns to keep their top four hopes alive.

The keeper had roamed forward on a last-stitch corner kick to throw an extra body into the box and he just wasn’t tracked by West Brom’s defense, leaving him wide open for a finely-taken header to slot in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s in-swinger. Liverpool were arguably the better side against an already relegated Baggies side, but if Alisson hadn’t popped up with his late heroics, Jurgen Klopp’s side would’ve likely had to accept a Europa League or Conference League spot.

Alisson’s goal sent shockwaves throughout social media across the footballing world and Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer even took to social media to congratulate the Brazilian for his last gasp winner (Liverpool Echo). “What a goal my friend,” he posted to his Instagram story shortly after the final whistle at the Hawthorns.

Beyond simply supporting his friend on social media, The Athletic reports that Neuer exchanged congratulatory messages with Alisson in the spirit of mutual admiration. “I congratulated him and we exchanged a few messages. Every goalkeeper dreams of scoring the winning goal. Usually, you’re behind when the goalkeeper comes up, but Liverpool had to win to qualify for the Champions League of course. Phenomenal. What an amazing header. I’m so pleased for him. He’s a very nice guy and easy to get along with. He deserves that moment.”

We’ve seen keepers score in the Premier League before. Tim Howard did it for Everton, Asmir Begovic did it for Stoke City, even Brad Friedl had done it for Aston Villa. Alisson’s, goal, though, had so much implication as far as Liverpool’s total season - and to do it with nearly the last touch of the football was truly something else. You add to that the slew of emotions he’s faced over the past couple of months with the tragic death of his father and the birth of a child and it makes it all the more special. He was noticeably emotional during the goal celebrations and after the full time whistle had gone, rightfully so. Moments like this in football don’t come around too often, but when they do, it’s really something else.

Even John Lithgow was loving it!